The Hard Way Up by A. Bertram Chandler

These texts detail the experiences of Lieutenant John Grimes, captain of the starship Adder, as he navigates challenging and often bizarre missions throughout the galaxy. The narrative follows Grimes and his crew as they encounter unique situations, from managing a volatile Worrallian captain and unexpectedly adopting a primitive alien, to participating in tense diplomatic exchanges with alien races and investigating a mysterious object in deep space. The stories highlight the interplay between human and alien cultures, the intricacies of interstellar politics and bureaucracy, and Grimes's resourcefulness in dealing with difficult passengers and unpredictable events, including a memorable encounter with a demanding Commissioner and her unusual robots, and the surprising revelations about a lost colony and its ancient alien ship. Ultimately, they portray the often-unconventional life of a starship captain facing a wide array of professional and personal hurdles.